Google Docs is one of Google Inc's, many online offerings which are free of charge to anyone with a Google Account. Google Docs allow for quick and easy collaboration between classmates, colleagues and teacher/students. It is probably one of the most versatile online tools administrators and teachers can use within their schools.
Google Docs is essentially an online version of Microsoft Office. It consists of 6 pieces - a word processor (similar to Word), spreadsheet (similar to Excel), presentation (similar to Powerpoint), drawing (similar to Visio), data storage for your individual files and a form creator for surveys, etc. These programs not are as powerful as the MS Office suite however, the level of collaboration integrated into the software more than makes up for this shortcoming. For example, the document you see below was created in Google Docs word processor. It is split into two columns and was discussed and edited by two parties over the course of 20 minutes. The software allowed the parties involved to discuss the topic assigned and create a document discussing the differences between Google Docs and Blogs in a very short amount of time. Files created in the word processor, spreadsheet or presentation can be created and edited in this manner at any time.
Google Docs's Form feature is rather interesting feature. It allows you to create a web-based survey which users can take at any time from any computer with internet access. The majority of each survey can be customized to fit with your needs. There are several different question types which can be chosen when creating your survey. The theme (backgrounds, etc.) can also be changed to add some color to your survey. Once completed, the survey can be embedded into a webpage or a link to the survey can be sent to your intended audience. The survey below was created as a proof of concept for LIU 12's Migrant Education Program to show how they could use this technology in their program.
The added benefit of use these survey forms is that the program will automatically sort all of the responses into a spreadsheet, saving a great deal of time during the process of gathering and analyzing data.
Google Docs can be easily integrated into any educational environment. Administrators and teachers can easily use the Form feature to survey their staff and students about anything from extra-curricular activities to teacher assessments. The teachers can setup student accounts for their students, in much the same way they would if they had integrated blogs into their classroom. Each student would have a login created and monitored by the teacher in order to access and complete their assignments. Group work could be easily scheduled between students and be able to accommodate their busy schedules. The system is flexible enough for the students to log in at different times and leave notes for each other in the document they are working with. While Google Docs has the capability to handle most of MS Office's tasks, it is this level of communication and collaboration, at no cost, which makes this ideal for use in an educational setting.
Google Docs is one of Google Inc's, many online offerings which are free of charge to anyone with a Google Account. Google Docs allow for quick and easy collaboration between classmates, colleagues and teacher/students. It is probably one of the most versatile online tools administrators and teachers can use within their schools.
Google Docs is essentially an online version of Microsoft Office. It consists of 6 pieces - a word processor (similar to Word), spreadsheet (similar to Excel), presentation (similar to Powerpoint), drawing (similar to Visio), data storage for your individual files and a form creator for surveys, etc. These programs not are as powerful as the MS Office suite however, the level of collaboration integrated into the software more than makes up for this shortcoming. For example, the document you see below was created in Google Docs word processor. It is split into two columns and was discussed and edited by two parties over the course of 20 minutes. The software allowed the parties involved to discuss the topic assigned and create a document discussing the differences between Google Docs and Blogs in a very short amount of time. Files created in the word processor, spreadsheet or presentation can be created and edited in this manner at any time.
Google Docs's Form feature is rather interesting feature. It allows you to create a web-based survey which users can take at any time from any computer with internet access. The majority of each survey can be customized to fit with your needs. There are several different question types which can be chosen when creating your survey. The theme (backgrounds, etc.) can also be changed to add some color to your survey. Once completed, the survey can be embedded into a webpage or a link to the survey can be sent to your intended audience. The survey below was created as a proof of concept for LIU 12's Migrant Education Program to show how they could use this technology in their program.
The added benefit of use these survey forms is that the program will automatically sort all of the responses into a spreadsheet, saving a great deal of time during the process of gathering and analyzing data.
Google Docs can be easily integrated into any educational environment. Administrators and teachers can easily use the Form feature to survey their staff and students about anything from extra-curricular activities to teacher assessments. The teachers can setup student accounts for their students, in much the same way they would if they had integrated blogs into their classroom. Each student would have a login created and monitored by the teacher in order to access and complete their assignments. Group work could be easily scheduled between students and be able to accommodate their busy schedules. The system is flexible enough for the students to log in at different times and leave notes for each other in the document they are working with. While Google Docs has the capability to handle most of MS Office's tasks, it is this level of communication and collaboration, at no cost, which makes this ideal for use in an educational setting.